Launch of "Kwonik" – A Public Journal on Rights and Interests

- The journal includes 10 papers submitted by the public on topics like grievance resolution, anti-corruption, administrative appeals, and institutional reform.

- Designed as an inclusive forum for government agencies, academics, and citizens to contribute ideas and advance policy research.

(11, November. 2024, ACRC)

The ACRC has published the inaugural issue of its scholarly journal, Kwonik, focusing on research and theories related to anti-corruption and civil rights, with the aim of applying these insights to policy development.

Kwonik aims to increase public interest in the ACRC’s work and foster independent, specialized research by academics and citizens alike. It serves as an open forum for discussion, inviting participation from government agencies, academia, and the general public.

The first issue features 10 papers selected through a public call for submissions and evaluated by experts and an editorial committee.

Highlights include:

• Topics in the Papers included, such as:

- Measures for Overhauling the Administrative Appeals Act After 40 Years of Enactment: This comprehensive review explores various issues and seeks amendments to the law.

- A Study on the Integration of Administrative Appeals: A Comparative Legal Analysis of Foreign Cases: This research examines international cases to propose a unified administrative appeals system.

- Review and Improvement Measures for the Administrative Appeals System Related to Students: This study compares and analyzes administrative appeals regulations as a relief mechanism for student-related disciplinary actions.

- Issues and Improvement Measures for the Current Personnel Grievance Review System: This study diagnoses problems in the personnel grievance review system and explores the establishment of an integrated administrative appeals body.

• Several notable papers have been published on topics such as conflict of interest prevention and the Prohibition of Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, drawing significant attention:

- A Critical Review for Strengthening the Systematic Coherence of the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act, which examines legislative proposals aimed at improving the consistency of the Act’s framework.

- Gifts Provided by Senior Public Officials to Subordinate Public Officials for Purposes of Consolation, Encouragement, or Rewards Under the Prohibition of Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, which analyzes Supreme Court precedents and presents both interpretative and legislative perspectives.

- Whistleblower Protection in the European Union and Its Implications, which explores case law from the European Court of Human Rights and EU guidelines on whistleblower protection, addressing the issue from the standpoint of human rights and fundamental rights protection.

In addition, papers such as The Impact of Emotional Labor on Burnout Among Police Investigators, Discussions on Improving the Information Disclosure Legal Framework, and Legislative Tasks to Promote Organ and Tissue Donations provide in-depth analysis of public grievances and institutional reform.

As the first specialized journal on public rights, Kwonik provides a comprehensive platform for research on grievance resolution, anti-corruption, and system improvement. It bridges the gap between academic perspectives and practical governance, fostering policy and institutional advancements.

The ACRC plans to use Kwonik as a resource for improving laws and educating public officials, enhancing transparency and accountability in government.

All papers are available on the ACRC website (https://www.acrc.go.kr) and the Integrity Training Center’s portal (https://edu.acrc.go.kr).

Chairperson Ryu Chul Whan expressed hope that Kwonik would become a recognized academic journal and a practical tool for enhancing public governance. He encouraged broad participation and support to ensure its continued growth and relevance.